Snr. Director – Head of Digital Diagnostics

Job Title: Senior Director – Head of Digital Diagnostics, Ireland

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to lead at the forefront of digital diagnostics and AI-driven healthcare innovation? AstraZeneca is seeking a visionary R&D leader to establish and lead our Digital Diagnostics organization in Ireland, a new, innovation-focused capability central to our precision medicine ambition to deliver the right medicine to the right patient at the right time. As the Head of Digital Diagnostics, Ireland, and a key member of the Precision Diagnostics Development R&D function, you will define and deliver the strategy for a world-class digital laboratory ecosystem that leverages AI, machine learning, and diagnostic science to transform how digital diagnostics are developed, validated, and deployed. You will operate at the cutting edge of diagnostic science, collaborating with global R&D leaders, technology partners, and academic institutions to bring next-generation digital diagnostics to patients worldwide. This is a rare opportunity to build a new capability from the ground up, including the creation of a high-performing digital diagnostics team and the establishment of a state-of-the-art digital laboratory infrastructure. The role demands a unique combination of technical depth, scientific vision, and leadership excellence to accelerate AstraZeneca’s transformation in precision medicine.

Accountabilities:

As the founding leader of the Digital Diagnostics team in Ireland, you will:

- Build and lead a world-class team of data scientists, AI engineers, and digital diagnostic experts focused on developing technologies that directly impact patient care.

- In collaboration with the VP, Head of Diagnostic Innovation Ireland, and the Ireland Transformation Lead, define and execute the strategic roadmap for AstraZeneca’s digital diagnostics capability, from foundational infrastructure to the delivery of robust, prototype-grade digital diagnostic technologies.

- Establish a state-of-the-art digital lab environment, integrating multimodal data, foundational models, and advanced image analytics to accelerate data-driven discovery and validation.

- Drive scientific and technical excellence, ensuring the highest standards of quality, rigor, and compliance across all AI-enabled diagnostic development.

- Forge external collaborations with global academic institutions, technology partners, and health systems to co-develop breakthrough technologies and expand AstraZeneca’s digital innovation network.

- Serve as a thought leader and champion of innovation, shaping AstraZeneca’s strategic direction in digital diagnostics while inspiring internal and external stakeholders.

- Foster a culture of agility, inclusion, and scientific curiosity, enabling your team to thrive and deliver transformative impact.

Essential Skills/Experience:

- Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, or a related technical or scientific field.

- 10+ years’ experience leading high-performing technical teams in digital diagnostics, AI/ML, or computational biology within pharma, diagnostics, Medtech, or technology sectors.

- Proven record of developing and deploying digital diagnostic technologies such as clinical decision support tools, software as a medical device applications or AI-driven biomarker solutions.

- Deep technical understanding of AI/ML models, data science workflows, and digital infrastructure used in regulated diagnostic development.

- Demonstrated ability to bridge scientific innovation and strategic execution, translating emerging technologies into impactful, scalable clinical applications.

- Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills, able to influence senior executives, scientific leaders, and external collaborators.

- Strong knowledge of regulatory standards (SaMD, IVD etc.) and ethical considerations in AI-driven healthcare.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

- Recognized as a thought leader or innovator in AI-driven diagnostics, with publications or conference contributions in leading scientific forums.

- Experience establishing or expanding digital diagnostic capabilities within a global organization.

- Deep external networks across academia, biotech, and technology ecosystems.

- Passion for external innovation and scientific collaboration, with a strong desire to engage academic partners and startups to drive next-generation diagnostic solutions.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where diverse minds unite with a shared passion for learning and discovery. Our scientific community seamlessly fuses academia with industry expertise to drive breakthroughs in oncology research. With multiple indications and high-quality molecules in our pipeline, we are committed to eliminating cancer as a cause of death. Empowered by investment and collaboration with leading medical centers worldwide, we push boundaries to improve patient outcomes. Join us in making bold decisions that shape the future of cancer treatment.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join AstraZeneca's pioneering team!

Date Posted

17-Nov-2025

Closing Date

30-Nov-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.